Author Topic: Front suspension (Read 6937 times)

DjVas · « **on:** May 09, 2007, 02:37:01 PM »

my front suspension seems to be too soft....when I hold the brakes and press on the handlebars (while still) it seems that the suspension travels too much... does that mean that I need new springs or...? How much should it travel normally?

BTW I am 6'6'' and 260lb so what springs do you think I should get?

Thanks!

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2007, 04:25:56 PM »

Bandit springs are soft, especially if you're over the size of a typical 150 lb Japanese test rider.

Progressive or Race Tech springs would be a big improvement. With Race Techs being better (and more expensive).

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2007, 05:43:50 PM »

Have you set the sag of the suspension yet???? Even with new springs and valving I can get the suspension to move a lot with the method you described.

If you can't get the sag set properly with the pre-load adjusters it might be time for a fork rebuild.

A full suspension upgrade will do wonders for the Bandit - much better money spent than a pipe and jetkit IMHO.

DjVas · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2007, 07:43:20 PM »

Race tech has from 0.8 to 1 kg/mm. What do you recommend?

How do I set the sag?

Thanks guys!

smooth operator · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2007, 08:05:53 PM »

I have my sag set @ 30mm front,30 mm back.
You'll need the new springs first,I went with Race Tech.
I'm sure they have a web site, You give them your weight,and type of riding. I also installed the Race Tech gold valves. They give you a chart where you take your weight and type of riding and you set up your stacking order. There is a spacer at the top(pc. of pcv pipe and you cut it to legth). So if you cut short,you can always cut it again if its too stiff. Also the amount of oil makes a difference. Race tech gives all the directions with the kit. BIG difference in the handling on the Bandit .
The progressive is cheaper, and will still be a big improvment.You can still adjust the size of the spacer at the top of the springs and the amount of oil in the forks.
Sport Rider has a good article on setting sag. You need at least one assistant. You take measurments with the suspension fully extended,then with the weight of the bike(free sag) and then with the weight of the rider w/your riding gear on(total sag). But if you get on Sport Rder .com.,and find the article,they can explain it better.
Hope this helps, Dan

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2007, 09:07:59 PM »

An excellent article on setting sag can be found HERE!!!

You'll need at least one other person but 2 makes it a lot easier. Once this is set you'll begin to appreciate the different dampener settings.

pmackie · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2007, 12:46:12 PM »

Quote

Race tech has from 0.8 to 1 kg/mm. What do you recommend?

There is a bit of personal taste in the answer...stiffer springs make for better feedback and consistant response in the corners, but result in a stiffer ride over the bumps. Softer springs are better through the bumps but tend to let the bike "wallow" into and out of tight corners causing the bike to run wide on corner exits.

For your weight you likely want to head for the mid to stiffer springs.

I went with Progressive springs in my 600, but I'm only 185 lbs. They have worked well for me, but I keep fiddling with the preload to get the response I want.

chupacabra · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2007, 05:13:16 PM »

My weight with gear and all is running about 210lbs - 220lbs, I went with Progressive springs in my 600 but find them just a bit soft. Even with the sag set at 30mm I use the whole 5 inches of suspension so I'm thinking of getting some Race Tech springs. At your weight I would get Race Tech springs. Progressive springs in my 600 are much better then stock but the rate is a little soft for my weight.

DjVas · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2007, 01:15:40 AM »

thanks a lot guys for all the info!! I will let you know what happens after I get new springs installed!!

BTW is this price for a pair of springs? do I need any other parts? http://www.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/productlist.asp?section_dept_id=1170244&terrain_dept_id=1186935&cat_dept_id=2004863&product_dept_id=2004893&selection_Path=3

I was looking at the manual and it says that for B6's the preload is not adjustable...I guess that is the sag right?

Thanks!

pmackie · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2007, 01:50:26 AM »

Preload and spring rate can both affect sag, which is the amount the suspension moves when you are at rest. As mentioned above, check this out:

Quote

An excellent article on setting sag can be found HERE!!!

chupacabra · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2007, 07:25:02 AM »

You adjust the preload by cutting the pvc pipe to size. Longer = more preload, shorter = less preload. More preload = less sag.

Red01 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2007, 09:50:51 AM »

Quote from: "DjVas"

thanks a lot guys for all the info!! I will let you know what happens after I get new springs installed!!

BTW is this price for a pair of springs? do I need any other parts? http://www.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/productlist.asp?section_dept_id=1170244&terrain_dept_id=1186935&cat_dept_id=2004863&product_dept_id=2004893&selection_Path=3

I was looking at the manual and it says that for B6's the preload is not adjustable...I guess that is the sag right?

Thanks!

That would be the price for the kit to do your bike.
You'll probably want to change the fork oil when you do this, too.

You can use the adjustable caps from the later SV650s on the B6 to give you some adjustability like the B12 has.

chupacabra · « **Reply #12 on:** May 11, 2007, 04:20:08 PM »

Will the SV650 caps fit the early B6 aswell as the later B6s?

Red01 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 11, 2007, 04:27:02 PM »

kevinfromrex · « **Reply #14 on:** May 15, 2007, 02:30:30 PM »

I did racetech 1.0 springs with high quality 20 wt oil, I am 6-2, 275.
I also did a bandit 1200 rear shock with an aftermarket spring, it raised the back of the bike up and is perfect for me.
The front is a little hard, might not make all riders happy, but I will deal with it, the bike can be thrashed in the corners now, its a different bike for me.